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Seasoned Artist, Robert Morgan, passed away this week and will be dearly missed. We are grateful for the opportunity to have been part of his story. Our condolences go out to his family.

Today we take a moment to pause and remember him. In March of 2013, LOFTon2nd was honored to host seasoned artist, Robert Morgan, 83 year old at the time, Australian painter and graphic artist, for a retrospective art show titled, “The Works of Robert Morgan”. This exhibition represented the culmination of over 60 years worth of amazing stories encountered by Morgan.

“It was a splendid place and time! I’m sure we didn’t realize it then – doesn’t every young boy have four miles of water frontage to play about and run all over, a great expanse of water over which to adventure on, a rowing club and sailing club and our own fleet of tin canoes?”

The artist grew up by the shores of Iron Cove Bay in the western suburbs of Sydney NSW, Australia. The bay is part of the estuary system that feeds into the Parramatta River and on towards and under the harbor bridge into Port Jackson, Sydney’s Harbor. Someone was always building a watercraft on one block or another in the area – sailing dinghies and canoes – but usually something more ambitious, 30ft to 40ft ocean-going yachts, which took years to complete. Some of his earliest attempts at self motivated drawing and painting involved subjects from there.

The artist continues, “My formal art education was pursued spasmodically during the between stints on newspapers, magazines, art studios, advertising agencies etc. I attended the Julian Ashton School of Fine Art under Henry Gibbons and Sydney School of Commercial Art with William Holman.”

“The arrival in Canada had been planned with my wife, initially as the first stage of a grand tour working trip around the world. I was able to continue development through several opportune job situations in the Vancouver BC and Toronto Ont. Areas. One of these last had enabled the development of skills in design and presentation. That in turn led to taking time out to study at the Instituto Allende and to paint full time for another semester in San Miguel de Allende Gto. Mexico.”

“When we came out of Mexico to the Los Angeles area – My wife, children and myself, the painting continued anyway, through to a series of large abstract works in synthetic media. Then it became apparent that it was time to move back into regular remunerative work. There followed several years of work on architectural graphics programs, mostly of the more pragmatic kind – until, I found myself assigned to design for a project utilizing more wall space than most artists would dream of handling in a whole lifetime.”

Rob’s years of painting must have been preparation for something. As a Designer within a large professional Architectural Office, he designed the graphic walls of the secure below plaza level spaces and other large walls of a large national bank. Total wall areas were in excess of 35,000 square feet!

It seemed he was on his way, but circumstances changed again and there followed several difficult but still interesting years. During that time, outside of some unforgettable projects which included directional graphics in the Los Angeles Zoo, he designed and coordinated an ambitious extension of the exhibits for the public tour of Lawry’s California Center. On a personal level, he also developed a modular panel system for large graphic walls. Conceptual Designs for exhibits at George C. Page Museum, La Brea Tar Finds, were produced, while consulting with the Architects of that project.

Across the road was Museum Square where he was also heavily involved in the revamp form Prudential Building that it once had been. He had also picked up on his association with Electrical Advertising – Park Plaza near Palos Verdes, Alamedas Bay Harbor at Long Beach, Studio City Plaza on Ventura Blvd., and Arbor Faire in Fresno area, are some of the new or ambitious makeovers which utilized his design skills as an employee or independent consultant.

On more recent painting efforts: The artist is quoted, “Since becoming even more aware of the strong painting themes manifest along Pacific Rim coasts, the focus of my painting activity has been the development of suitable techniques to exploit that material. That and the potential interchange between developed hand skills and refined technology is what excites me!”

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Saturday, November 9, 2013 6pm-10pm

George Pulido

George Pulido was born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. George first expressed himself through skateboarding and poetry. At the age of 18 it was with a paintbrush and the encouragement of his best friend, Damon Shindler, that George found his motivation to avoid the pitfalls of his surroundings and set his sights on higher goals.
Before long, he found an audience that was drawn to his work as an artist, and the interest of local collectors/investors allowed him to earn a living on his paintings. With the growing attention of art investors, he began to make a name for himself in the art community throughout the Los Angeles area.

As a newly established local artist, George then made the decision to tour parts of Europe—where he was inspired by the environment, architecture, and cultural vibrancy and incorporated it into his paintings. For months George worked closely with art collectors in Spain who were intrigued by his work.

Today, George prides himself in doing freelance work centered in Southern California. His art can be seen, and has been featured, in various galleries and group showings locally. George’s paintings have also appeared in a number of Hollywood’s popular TV series including “Law and Order” and “Saving Grace” as well as films such as “Yes Man”. In his spare time, George has also given lectures at local colleges that motivate young, aspiring artists to challenge their imagination to reach new heights and explore their own means of self expression.

George is currently a featured artist in his local community, where he has his own gallery open to the public.

“We all possess unique talents granted to us from above. My art is a gift from God, and I want nothing more than to share that gift with you.” –George Pulido

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The LOFT is pleased to present Paperwork by Fred One Litch on Friday, June 7th with an opening reception from 6:00 – 10:00pm. The show will run from Friday, June 7th, 2013 until Saturday June 29th, 2013 and be open 6/7, 6/8 (Art Walk), 6/29 and by appointment.

The California-based Fred One Litch presents meticulously crafted, precisely cut-and-pasted paper collages fabricated from his vast personal accumulation of vintage books, magazines and paper detritus. The intimately scaled collages are the artist’s attempt “to press pause” from the onslaught of visual imagery incurred in daily life “and offer up a chance for the viewer to draw the conclusion as to the exact meaning.” Many of the pieces were recently shown in a joint exhibit at the Maxwell Colette Gallery in Chicago.

Fred One Litch is a self taught artist born and raised in Los Angeles CA, as a youth he grew up skateboarding and writing graffiti. At the age of twenty and the urging of his now wife, he began his passion with and love for art. Formerly a painter now working solely with collage and mixed media he attempts to make sense of the collected paper he accumulates. He is married with two small children and maintains a home studio in La Verne, CA.

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When many of our visitors think of ART, they may think of paintings, drawings and sculpture. Many of them think of ART as a visual item to be hung over the mantle or displayed on the coffee table. We are pleased to focus this month’s “Student Art” exhibit on the ART of Movement. This is a ONE NIGHT ONLY show and will be full of energy and life. Don’t miss it.

We are also honored to have with us, students from the renowned School of Arts and Enterprises. Auditions are being held to showcase the talents and creative movement of these exceptional High School students. Those chosen to participate will be showcasing within the LOFT during Art Walk. Come out and support these young dancers.

Along with the Art of Movement exhibit, we are proud to present the Art of Marissa Merida. Marissa is a sophomore at the School of Arts and Enterprises and recently was honored to be chosen as Artist of the Season in Visual Arts. She will be displaying a collection of paintings and drawings. Marissa is one of our amazing interns at the LOFT and we are ecstatic to give her an opportunity to show.

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This month, we bring you a very special treat. An intimate look into our lives/passions/humor/goals via art. We present, “Meet the Swodecks”. A group show with Joshua Swodeck, Chara Nicole Swodeck & Brooklyn Swodeck.

Joshua (39) has been painting and sketching since he was a young boy. He spends his days supporting and coaching clients in branding and marketing themselves. This time, he brings his sarcasm and wit to life via words on wood, canvas and old mattress springs.

Chara Nicole (33) is a gifted wedding & event designer and relishes in the creatively bringing client’s dreams to life. She will be displaying photography by Marlin Munoz from some of her weddings and creating a table so inviting, you’ll want to sit down and eat.

Brooklyn (7) has grown up around the arts. Whether singing, writing, sketching/painting or playing the djembe, she brings life and passion to everyone she comes in contact with. She will be displaying some abstract paintings on paper as well as a few surprises.

Come by and meet the family. Join us also, as Joshua & Chara celebrate 11 years married (nearly 15 years together).

2nd Saturday Art Walk

They will all be displaying BRAND NEW works. Nikki has been working tirelessly on some of the most amazing works she has done so far. Demar has been digging deep and has a few new pieces that we won’t even see until we hang them. John has a studio full of work he is relentless finishing in time for this show. This is a very special show and you will not want to miss it.

Three local artists…one night. Their art will remain up for the duration of the month and most pieces will be for sale (prints are available as well). Come out meet the artists.

Collector’s Night (Last Saturday Art Walk)

We will close our show with a very special “Collector’s Night” on Saturday, February 23, 2013 (Last Saturday) at 7PM.

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Like-Mindedmeets in the LOFT every 1st Saturday from 930a-1130a with the goal of inspiring and motivating young innovators to pursue their dreams with integrity and passion. Upon arrival, participants had the unique opportunity to hear from some of today’s most influential young leaders, like Keven Stirivant (Team Coach for LRG), Justin Sapp (Speaker, Co-Founder of Like Minded), and Kameron Peraud (Co-Founder Like Minded).

They believe that an online network is essential for daily progress and growth. However, they also understand that there is nothing more powerful than community, and the act of intentionally gathering to better oneself. The energy, focus, and physical nature of Like Minded’s gatherings are one of a kind, infusing fundamental actions with spirituality and determination. Participants had no choice but to leave empowered, encouraged, and connected. Some others who attend are Alana Dawn of Lady Art, Marcie Benjamins of Store 13, Fabian Pallares of Ayidya Collective Change, DJ PGXIII from LRG, Sumo Yoon from Truck Norris, Sean Sapigao from Raw Kulture Clothing, and more.

To find out more about Like Minded…hit upinfo@belikeminded.comor call 626.641.3972.

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“Sweet Spot” was a success. The room is filled with hundreds of Art Walk attendees enjoying Chara’s “famous” Sherbet Shots, Red Velvet & King Kong Chocolate Cupcakes from the Cupcake Shack, and of course…Candy inspired art by Megan McDanels.

All part of Pomona’s 2nd Saturday Art Walk, approximately 3500 people visited the galleries, clubs, bars, retails shops and restaurants of Historic Downtown Pomona. Art Walk is every 2nd Saturday of the month.